Abstract
Jessie Burton’s The Miniaturist invites readers into a world where the miniature serves as a microcosm of societal complexities. Through the intricate dollhouses and their inhabitants, the novel delves into the blurred lines between objects and subjects in 17th century Netherlands. This paper employs a close reading approach to analyze the symbolic significance of the miniature figures within the narrative. By examining the tension between the human and the doll, the authentic and the artificial, and the interior and exterior spaces, this study enforces the impact of materialism on characters’ decisions. The analysis reveals that the miniature figures are not merely passive objects but active participants in the narrative. They negotiate key dichotomies, challenging the rigid boundaries between the real and the imagined, the living and the inanimate. Burton shows the pervasive influence of consumer culture, where material possessions can both satisfy and enslave. The meticulous craftsmanship of the miniature figures symbolizes the allure of materialism, while the characters’ struggles with their desires highlight the dangers of being consumed by material possessions. The paper contributes to ongoing scholarly discussions about the relationship between material culture and identity, offering a fresh perspective on the ways in which objects can shape readers’ perspectives. By exploring the tension between individual desires and societal expectations, the novel invites readers to consider how one can choose to live a meaningful life that is not governed by materialism and consumerist values.
Author Information
Rasha Osman Abdel Haliem, Higher Technological Institute, Egypt
Paper Information
Conference: IICAH2025
Stream: Literature/Literary Studies
This paper is part of the IICAH2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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